Driving Examiner Strike Starts Today

Today is finally the day—the driving test has officially changed and learner drivers will now have to contend with sat navs, pulling up on the right and much more. Of course, that’s not all that learner drivers should take note of. Today also marks the beginning of the 48-hour driving examiner strike.

Driving examiners across England are starting their 48-hour strike in dispute against long working hours, pay and the new driving test changes.

With the new test changes, the DVSA is looking to adopt a more flexible working regime. With it, examiners are asked to travel to different test centres to meet the demand which causes long driving test waiting times. This means working longer hours with no additional pay. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) voted in favour of a 48-hour strike to “demonstrate that these changes are unacceptable”. Officials from the DVSA have made it clear, however, that this strike shows a “disregard for both road safety and learner drivers”.

What if my test is on the 4th or 5th of December?

If you’re a learner driver with a test today (or tomorrow), you will still have to show up to your practical test. While the likelihood of your examiner being on strike is high, you still have to show up in order to get the refund for your test. Of course, you might be one of the lucky few who have an examiner who isn’t part of the PCS or in favour of the strike. In this case, your practical test will go according to plan and you will be one of the first learner drivers to experience the new test changes.

Whether you’re a learner or a pro driver, Bethany is here to help. From defensive driving to the Highway Code, she’ll tell you everything you need know about driving. If she’s not on the road, you’ll probably find Bethany with her head in a book or binge-watching the latest TV show.